Self-care products that will get your mind, body, and soul through the dark winter months.
Growing up, winter was my favorite season. The crisp cold air was a nice change from the muggy summers in the concrete jungle we called NYC. As I’ve gotten older, it’s no longer my favorite season as with it comes the winter blues that creep up on me every year. It’s an inexplicable heaviness and sadness that tarnishes an otherwise joyous season. It robs me of the will to decorate for the holidays or even exercise.
Self-care is so important. I wrote about it in a recent post, and winter time is, in my opinion, one of the most important times of the year for self-care. The air is drier. The days are shorter. And, the hustle + bustle of the holidays can get the best of us if we’re not careful. Below are some of the items I feel make a huge difference to my overall health in the winter.
Winter Beauty & Self-Care Essentials
Face
Dew Skin
Something I thought I’d be afraid of using because of the word “dew” in it has become one of my favorite products to use daily. Those lucky enough with clear skin can use this in lieu of a foundation (it really makes skin look beautiful) for daily moisturization, sun protection, and a light tint. I wear Dew Skin No. 3 and I absolutely notice a difference in hydration and oil production. It’s a must living in Florida, the Sunshine State.
Lip Conditioner
I have loved Chapstick all my life, and when I learned they contain propylparabens, I knew I had to find a fast alternative. I switched to Beautycounter Lip Conditioner in Peppermint and have never looked back!
RapidLash
Although biotin and castor oil have usually helped grow my lashes in the past, this year was the first year I’ve noticed actual gaps in my lashline, so after researching several lash serums, I ordered RapidLash. The ingredients are some of the safest out there in the lash serum world and I have already started seeing the gap in my lashline close after 2 weeks of use (with biotin supplements). Right now they have daily deals, so be sure to check those deals daily.
Instant Glow Illuminating Cream
By now it should come as no surprise that I love Beautycounter. The more products I try, the more impressed I am with the quality. The Instant Glow Illuminating Cream is like wearing a Snapchat filter in real life. There’s a lit from within glow that’s safe and beautiful. It comes in the Instant Awakening Trio set, along with a travel size of the Overnight Resurfacing Peel (more on that below) and eye cooling + plumping masks.
Overnight Resurfacing Peel
I’ve spoken about this product here and here before and I can’t rave about it enough. I totally owe the smaller pore size and fading acne marks to this overnight peel and I love that it’s free of formaldehyde-releasing ingredients. Beautycounter just released a travel size version for the holidays!
Body
Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Body Lotion
I have always been terrible at applying body lotion, but the dry winter air forces me. After educating myself about safer ingredients, I took inventory of all of the lotions I had around the house. I had to throw them all away (seriously) since they were all full of several parabens, BHT, and other hormone disruptors. I purchased the Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Body Lotion on a whim and was blown away by how long it kept my skin hydrated?
MoroccanOil Night Body Serum
I received the MoroccanOil Night Body Serum for testing, but to be honest, since I was super happy with my Countermatch Adaptive Body Lotion, I never used it. It does contain fragrance, but other than that, I did not see any harmful ingredients in it. I am giving away this bottle of unused night serum on Instagram, so be sure to hop over and enter to win!
Primally Pure Deodorant
This natural deodorant has been my go-to for over 2 weeks now and I am obsessed. Nothing but good-for-you ingredients and paraben-free, the charcoal deodorant keeps me dry and fresh. I listed this in my post about aluminum-free deodorants and, after readers on Instagram had their input, I decided to purchase both the charcoal and Blue Tansy versions. Both smell amazing, but since I wanted a quicker detox as I switched from my Secret Clinical, I’ve been using the charcoal. Seriously, it’s soooo good and I haven’t felt any irritation except for a slight itch the first 3 days under one arm. That’s gone away and I haven’t had any reactions since then. Use code LISETTE10 for 10% off your first order.
Biotin
My body needs biotin like it needs water. Seriously, when I go without this supplement, my nails get thin and brittle, my hair thin out, and my lashes look short and sparse. I also notice lots more hair loss in the shower or while styling when I stop taking biotin. If you’re one of the lucky ones with strong nails and long, thick hair I shake my fist at you in jealousy. I forgot I ordered the 10,000mcg pills on Amazon when I went to the store, but I will double up on the 5000mcg for the time being. (Note: biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that any excess biotin will flush out in urine, so it’s a perfectly safe supplement to take).
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!
I forget how much deep conditioning protects your hair from heat damage, frizz, and breakage. I love the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! deep conditioning treatment for how it leaves my hair soft and manageable. My comb does not get stuck in tangles, and my hair has bounce and shine. Best of all, no silicones, parabens, mineral oil, or formaldehyde-releasing chemicals.
Primally Pure Flower Bath
Self-care doesn’t have to be all business. Sometimes I forget how nice it is to soak in a warm bath (I’m a shower person). So for the few times a year I actually take baths, I am use Primally Pure’s Flower Bath. It is so pretty just in the jar with all of the organic flower petals. The natural essential oils of lavender and geranium make it an aromatherapy bath as well as a hydrating bath. Seriously, treat yourself to this. It’s amazing!
Mind
Real talk here: every few years or so I get SAD, seasonal affective disorder. You are more likely to be affected with SAD if you have relatives that suffer from depression. Some people experience SAD during the summer months, so if you’re feeling inexplicably down, don’t be afraid to talk about it. Last year I didn’t have the energy (or desire) to put up a Christmas tree. This year, I started feeling a little off in the beginning of November, where I started losing interest in something I loved: exercise. Truth be told, had Brian not asked me to put up the tree this year, it would be the second year in a row without a tree.
SAD Light
A friend recently told me about SAD lights, lights that help mimic sunlight and help make the effect of the shorter daylight hours less severe. They’re commonly used in northern regions like the PNW and rainy UK. I just ordered this for myself, and I hope I start feeling better in a few days.
Essential Oils
Diffusing essential oils definitely helps alleviate my SAD. I’m learning more about oils and their health benefits. I initially bought them to replace my air fresheners, but they’re so good for your mood and concentration, and even to make headaches disappear. Oils like sweet orange, lime, and peppermint are the ones that cheer me up the most.
Important: when purchasing essential oils, look for the quality test results and specific lot information and NOT a “promise.” I’m still navigating the world of essential oils, and I’m not married to one particular brand, but I know that it’s unregulated and you have to take their word with a grain of salt. So far, I feel fairly confident (fingers crossed) that the oils I come in contact with are pure.
I recently bought this diffuser, and it impressed me so much that I bought one for my mom, too. I like that it diffuses out at an angle, and the air travels instead of it sinking back down onto the diffuser and table top.
What are your favorite winter beauty essentials?
Daniella says
The SAD light sound so interesting. I heard about an alarm clock that uses similar technology to mimic the sun and make you get out of bed naturally w/o startling you. It’s a little pricey but it seems worth it. My fav skincare item at the moment is scarguard. Most of my routine is the same but ever since I got a horrible scar on my face from a flat iron, I’ve been incorporating it into my self-care routine. I always think “First is skin, second is make-up” So we gotta take care of our largest organ!